Bobby Clarke Powers Flyers With Rare Special-Teams Hat Trick

On March 28, 1974, at the Omni in Atlanta, Bobby Clarke delivered one of the most unusual hat tricks of his NHL career. The Philadelphia Flyers captain scored all three goals in a 3-3 tie against the Atlanta Flames but what made the performance truly memorable was that none of the goals came at even strength. For Clarke, it was all special teams: two shorthanded goals and one power-play tally.

The game began with immediate adversity for the Flyers. Just 12 seconds after puck drop, Rick MacLeish was sent to the penalty box for hooking. Instead of Atlanta taking advantage, Clarke flipped the script. At 1:06 of the opening period, he scored shorthanded, his 31st goal of the season, with assists from Barry Ashbee and Bill Barber.

By the time the third period arrived, Atlanta held a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Jacques Richard and Bryan Hextall. Hextall made his presence felt in more ways than one, engaging in first- and second-period fights with Bob Kelly and Andre Dupont. He nearly added a third scrap in the final period when both he and Jimmy Watson received double-minor penalties.

Clarke struck again at 5:40 of the third period. With Butch Deadmarsh serving a hooking penalty, Clarke capitalized on the power play to tie the game, assisted by Barber and Tom Bladon. The tie didn’t last long. Just 17 seconds later, Keith McCreary restored Atlanta’s lead. But Clarke wasn’t finished.

At exactly nine minutes of the third period, he completed the hat trick, again while shorthanded. Ed Van Impe had been in the penalty box for only nine seconds when Clarke found the back of the net, securing the 3-3 draw and sealing one of the most unique three-goal performances of his career.

Clarke finished the 1973-74 NHL season tied with Ralph Stewart of the New York Islanders for the league lead in shorthanded goals with five. Over the course of his Hall of Fame career, Clarke recorded 32 shorthanded goals, tying him for 17th all-time alongside Peter Bondra, Dave Keon, and Joe Sakic. Of course, that total still sits well behind the NHL record of 73 shorthanded goals, held by Wayne Gretzky.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

A deep dive into Flyers history filled with stars, records, stats, and unforgettable memories from the ice — perfect for true diehards and history buffs.

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Pete Mahovlich Scores Two Goals in Five Seconds for Canadiens Record in 1971

On February 20, 1971, Pete Mahovlich etched his name into the NHL record book with one of the fastest scoring bursts the league had ever seen.

Before that night, the record for the fastest two goals by the same player belonged to Nels Stewart, who scored twice in just four seconds during a 1931 game between the Montreal Maroons and Boston Bruins. The next fastest belonged to Howie Meeker, who scored two goals six seconds apart in 1952.

Mahovlich didn’t quite break Stewart’s record, but he came incredibly close. During a matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks at the Montreal Forum, Mahovlich scored twice in five seconds, placing himself between Stewart and Meeker in the NHL record books.

The game itself offered little suspense for the Montreal crowd. The Canadiens dominated early, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period before the frame was halfway finished. They extended the lead to 4-0 early in the second period and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Rejean Houle got Montreal rolling with the first two goals of the game. Phil Roberto followed with three consecutive tallies, with Jean Béliveau assisting on all three.

Then came Mahovlich’s historic moment.

At 12:16 of the third period, Mahovlich beat Blackhawks goaltender Tony Esposito for his 26th goal of the 1970-71 season, assisted by John Ferguson. Just five seconds later, at 12:21, Mahovlich struck again, once more with Ferguson setting him up, for his 27th goal of the season.

While it fell just short of the NHL record, Mahovlich’s rapid-fire scoring remains the fastest two goals in Montreal Canadiens franchise history. Remarkably, those two goals were also Mahovlich’s only shots on net in the entire game.

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Defenseman Carol Vadnais Scores Hat Trick For Rangers In Wild 8-6 Loss To Maple Leafs (1976)

When the Boston Bruins traded Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais to the New York Rangers on November 7, 1975, the return package included stars Brad Park and Jean Ratelle along with Joe Zanussi. It was one of the biggest deals of the decade, and Vadnais quickly made his presence felt on Broadway. In his first 22 games with New York, the defenseman recorded two four-point performances.

One of those standout games came on January 4, 1976, when the Rangers hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden. Vadnais opened his scoring at 4:50 of the second period, beating Toronto goalie Wayne Thomas for his seventh goal of the 1975-76 season. The tally, assisted by Pete Stemkowski and Walt Tkaczuk, briefly gave New York a 2-1 lead.

Toronto quickly seized control, however, scoring four straight goals to take a commanding 5-2 lead into the third period.

Any thoughts of a quiet finish vanished almost immediately. Vadnais struck again just 23 seconds into the final frame, with assists from Rod Gilbert and Esposito. Later in the period, Lanny McDonald scored shorthanded for Toronto at 11:46, igniting a remarkable stretch of offense. Over the next 2:33, the teams combined for five goals, at the time the ninth-fastest sequence of five goals in NHL history and still among the fastest ever recorded.

Vadnais assisted on the fourth goal of that flurry, Gilbert’s 13th of the season, before completing his hat trick at 19:09 with helpers from Gilbert and Esposito. The late surge wasn’t enough to overcome Toronto’s earlier outburst, and the Rangers fell 8-6 in one of the season’s wildest games.

Despite the loss, Vadnais finished with three goals and an assist, while Gilbert added a four-point night of his own with two goals and two assists. Vadnais also led all shooters in the game with seven shots on goal.

Tales from the New York Rangers Locker Room

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NHL Hockey Card Greats: Carol Vadnais [Video]

The Roadrunner Runs Wild: Three Power Play Goals vs. Toronto

During the 1966-67 NHL season, Yvan Cournoyer established himself as the league’s most dangerous weapon on the power play. The speedy Montreal Canadiens winger scored 20 of his 25 goals with the man advantage and finished tied for the NHL lead with seven game-winning goals.

On December 21, 1966, at the historic Montreal Forum, Cournoyer delivered one of his finest performances against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored three power play goals, his 8th, 9th, and 10th of the season, in a 6-2 Montreal victory. His second tally, assisted by Dick Duff and Henri Richard, stood as the game winner.

The Canadiens received strong support throughout the lineup. Bobby Rousseau added three assists, while Ralph Backstrom contributed two goals of his own. Toronto goals came from Larry Jeffrey and Kent Douglas.

Cournoyer enjoyed tremendous regular season success against Toronto, scoring 11 goals in 14 games versus the Leafs that year. However, the storyline shifted in the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals, where Toronto limited him to two goals and two assists in six games on their way to capturing the Stanley Cup.

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Doug Harvey’s 4-Point Night Powers Canadiens Past Red Wings 7-0 In 1958

On January 30, 1958, Doug Harvey delivered one of the finest performances of his Hall of Fame career, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a dominant 7-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the iconic Montreal Forum.

Harvey opened the scoring midway through the first period on the power play, beating Terry Sawchuk for what would stand as the game-winning goal. He added an assist later in the period and finished the night with four points, showcasing the offensive brilliance that made him the NHL’s premier defenseman of the era.

After a quiet second period, Montreal erupted for five third-period goals. Harvey picked up assists on tallies by Jean Beliveau and Don Marshall, while Dickie Moore also recorded four points. In goal, Jacques Plante stopped all 28 shots he faced.

The performance came during a season in which Harvey would capture another James Norris Memorial Trophy and help Montreal secure yet another Stanley Cup. Along with the Norris Trophy win in 1957-58, Doug finished third in voting for the Hart Trophy behind winner Gordie Howe and runner-up Andy Bathgate. In the playoffs, Harvey was outstanding with eleven points in ten games, including a goal and assist in the Stanley Cup clinching game 6 win over the Boston Bruins.

Stole This from a Hockey Card: A Philosophy of Hockey, Doug Harvey, Identity and Booze

A reflective exploration of hockey, life, and the legacy of Doug Harvey — blending philosophy, personal history, and the spirit of the game.

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Kurri and Gretzky Strike Shorthanded Lightning (Thanks to Lee Fogolin’s Penalty)

On December 21, 1983, the high-flying Edmonton Oilers hosted the Winnipeg Jets at the raucous Northlands Coliseum. In the heart of the 1983-84 season, goals came in bunches in Edmonton and this 7-4 Oilers victory was no exception. But two of those goals stood out for their rarity and timing.

Late in the first period, defenseman Lee Fogolin was sent off for slashing at 19:06. What followed was a stunning twist. Before the penalty expired, and before the period even ended, Edmonton struck twice while shorthanded.

At 19:33, Jari Kurri scored his 29th goal of the season, beating Jets netminder Brian Hayward with help from Wayne Gretzky. Just 15 seconds later, at 19:48, the roles reversed. Gretzky buried his 38th of the year, assisted by Kurri. Two shorthanded goals in 15 seconds, a remarkable display of opportunistic offense.

While the feat was extraordinary, it wasn’t unmatched in Oilers history. On November 12, 1988, Esa Tikkanen scored two shorthanded goals just 12 seconds apart against the Toronto Maple Leafs, an even faster pair.

Back on that December night in 1983, Gretzky wasn’t finished. With 19 seconds left in the game and Dave Hunter serving a roughing penalty, Gretzky scored his second shorthanded goal and third overall of the contest into an empty net. He finished the night with five points, while Kurri added four (two goals, two assists).

The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

A deep dive into one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Calgary Flames, featuring unforgettable games, personalities, and playoff clashes.

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Dave Keon’s Game 7 Hat Trick Sends Leafs Past Canadiens In 1964 Classic

When the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens collided in the 1964 Stanley Cup semifinal, it was more than just another chapter in hockey’s fiercest rivalry. Montreal had finished seven points ahead in the regular season standings and never trailed in the series heading into Game 7. The odds and momentum, seemed firmly on the Canadiens’ side. But, champions have a way of seizing their moment.

On April 9, 1964, inside the storied Montreal Forum, Dave Keon decided he wasn’t ready to let Toronto’s reign end. Just 8:22 into the first period, Keon struck for his first goal of the series, beating goaltender Charlie Hodge with assists from Don McKenney and Bob Baun.

Minutes later, with Andy Bathgate serving a hooking penalty, Keon struck again, this time shorthanded, finishing a setup from captain George Armstrong. The Leafs suddenly held a 2-0 lead, and the game-winning goal was already on the board.

Montreal pushed back in the third when Ralph Backstrom finally solved Toronto netminder Johnny Bower at 7:27. But that was as close as the Canadiens would get. With just eleven seconds remaining, Keon completed the hat trick with an empty-net goal, silencing the Forum crowd and sending the Leafs to the Final.

Lost slightly in the glow of Keon’s heroics was Bower’s brilliance. The veteran goaltender turned aside 38 of 39 shots in one of his finest postseason performances. Toronto would need every ounce of that resilience moving forward.

The Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings went the full seven games as well. Down three games to two, the Leafs survived Game 6 thanks to an overtime goal from Bob Baun. playing on a broken leg, before ultimately securing their third straight championship.

Keon and Me: My Search For The Lost Soul Of The Leafs

A heartfelt journey through the legacy of Dave Keon and the soul of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise.

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When Pat Quinn Scored, It Counted: Two Big Goals for the 1972-73 Atlanta Flames

When people think of Pat Quinn, they often remember the imposing defenseman, the respected NHL coach, and the Hall of Fame builder. What they don’t usually remember is his goal-scoring touch, because there wasn’t much of it.

Over 606 NHL regular season games, Quinn scored just 18 goals. In 1972-73, his first season with the expansion Atlanta Flames, he scored only twice. But both goals were memorable and meaningful.

The first came on November 26, 1972, as the Flames hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at The Omni, just the 24th game in franchise history. Early in the first period, Atlanta was shorthanded after Bill Plager was sent off for cross-checking. Just 13 seconds into the penalty kill, Quinn struck unassisted, beating goaltender Denis Herron for his first goal of the season. He later added an assist in the third period as Atlanta secured a 6-2 victory.

His second goal of the campaign came on January 7, 1973, again on home ice, against his former club, the Vancouver Canucks. With the game tied 2-2 entering the third period, Quinn broke the deadlock just 1:33 into the frame, scoring on Vancouver goalie Bruce Bullock. Assisted by Larry Romanchych and Bob Leiter, the goal stood as the game-winner in a 5-2 Flames triumph.

Offense was never Quinn’s calling card. His career high of five goals came the following season in 1973-74, also with Atlanta. In 11 career Stanley Cup playoff games, he never found the back of the net. Interestingly, his very first NHL goal, scored December 21, 1968 as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Detroit Red Wings, also stood as a game-winner in an 8-3 victory.

Quinn: The Life of a Hockey Legend

A compelling biography of Pat Quinn — the influential coach, mentor, and hockey icon whose leadership shaped generations of players.

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Bernie Nicholls Erupts For 4 Goals, 6 Points To Hand Oilers First Loss Of 1983-84

On October 20, 1983, at the Forum in Los Angeles, Bernie Nicholls delivered one of the most explosive performances of his career. The Los Angeles Kings were 0-5-1 entering their seventh game of the 1983-84 NHL season, while the Edmonton Oilers had stormed out to seven straight wins.

By the end of the night, Nicholls had flipped the script entirely. The Kings crushed the previously undefeated Oilers 7-2, powered by a four-goal, six-point masterpiece from Nicholls and a rock-solid performance in goal by Mike Blake.

A First Period Statement

Nicholls opened the scoring early, beating Andy Moog at even strength. He wasn’t finished. With Jari Kurri serving a slashing minor late in the period, Nicholls struck again on the power play at 18:29 to give L.A. full momentum heading into intermission.Two goals. One period. Statement made.

Short-Handed Dagger

Midway through the second period, Nicholls delivered the backbreaker, a shorthanded goal with just three seconds remaining on teammate Wes Jarvis’ penalty. It was a perfectly timed strike that stunned Edmonton and showcased Nicholls’ all-situations dominance.

Sealing It In The Third

At 14:54 of the third period, Nicholls buried his fourth goal of the night, his eighth of the young season, assisted by Jim Fox and Brian MacLellan. Fox enjoyed a huge night himself, scoring the game-winning goal and adding three assists for four points. MacLellan contributed a goal and two helpers. Nicholls, in turn, assisted on goals by both Fox and MacLellan to complete his six-point effort.

Gretzky Held (Mostly) In Check

Wayne Gretzky managed just a single goal against Kings netminder Mike Blake, who turned aside 36 of 38 shots in a busy, confident performance. Ironically, just five years later, Nicholls and Gretzky would become teammates in Los Angeles and combine for a staggering 318 points during the 1988-89 season.

Bernie Nicholls: From Flood Lights To Bright Lights

The story of Bernie Nicholls — from grassroots hockey under the floodlights to NHL stardom and scoring success.

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Grant Fuhr’s Rare Two-Assist Period Fuels Record-Setting 1983-84 Season

During the high-flying 1983-84 NHL season, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Grant Fuhr etched his name into the record books in a way few netminders ever have. That year, Fuhr set what remains the NHL record for most points by a goaltender in a single season, finishing with 14, all assists.

One of the most memorable moments of that historic campaign came on November 6, 1983, when Fuhr recorded two assists in the same period during a wild Oilers road game against the Winnipeg Jets at Winnipeg Arena.

In true 1980s fashion, defense was optional. A total of 13 goals were scored, with Edmonton skating away with an 8-5 victory.

Despite the final score, Winnipeg actually held a 5-4 lead deep into the third period. At 12:39 of the frame, Wayne Gretzky tied the game with his 18th goal of the season, assisted by Jari Kurri and Grant Fuhr, who earned his first helper of the night.

The decisive moment came in dramatic fashion. With just eight seconds remaining in regulation, Gretzky struck again, this time with assists going to Fuhr and defenseman Randy Gregg. The goal sealed the win and gave Fuhr two assists in the same period, a rare feat for a goaltender in any era.

Fuhr’s night wasn’t limited to offense. He also stopped 28 of 33 shots and even picked up a high-sticking minor penalty in the second period. Gretzky dominated the scoresheet, finishing with four goals and three assists for a seven-point performance. Winnipeg goaltender Doug Soetaert made 28 saves in the loss.

By season’s end, Fuhr’s 14 assists shattered the previous NHL record of eight, set by Mike Palmateer with the Washington Capitals just three years earlier. Before Palmateer, the mark had belonged to Gilles Meloche, who recorded six assists with the California Golden Seals in 1974-75. Interestingly, two of those six were in a single period. More on that game here: Gilles Meloche 2 Assist Period.

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When Pierre Larouche Punished His Old Team at the Montreal Forum

On November 29, 1977, in what became known as an “all-Pete” trade, Pierre Larouche and Peter Marsh were dealt from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Pete Mahovlich and Peter Lee. The Penguins had selected Larouche eighth overall in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, and while injuries slowed his early Montreal tenure, everything clicked once again by the 1979-80 season.

That resurgence was on full display on October 25, 1979, when the Canadiens hosted Larouche’s former team at the Montreal Forum. Larouche wasted no time making a statement, kicking off what would become his 50-goal season in emphatic fashion. He scored four goals in Montreal’s 8-5 victory, accounting for half of the Canadiens’ offense.

Larouche struck twice in the opening period, with both goals set up by Steve Shutt. After being held off the scoresheet in the second period, he erupted again in the third, adding two more goals and assisting on another Shutt marker. By night’s end, Larouche had piled up five points, firing seven shots at Pittsburgh goaltender Rob Holland.

Steve Shutt matched Larouche’s five-point performance with a goal and four assists, while Guy Lafleur delivered the decisive blow. Lafleur’s goal stood as the game-winner and was one of two he scored on the night.

Those four tallies represented Larouche’s third through sixth goals of the young 1979-80 season. He would go on to finish with 50 goals, marking the second time in his career he reached the milestone. Larouche nearly did it again in 1983-84, falling just short with 48 goals as a member of the New York Rangers.

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Yvan Cournoyer Erupts for Five Goals as Canadiens Torch Blackhawks in 1975

More than six years passed after Red Berenson’s six-goal night in 1968 before another NHL player reached the five-goal mark in a game. On February 15, 1975, Yvan Cournoyer finally ended that drought in unforgettable fashion at the Montreal Forum.

The Canadiens overwhelmed the Chicago Blackhawks 12-3, with Cournoyer delivering one of the finest offensive performances of his career. His first goal didn’t come until 8:17 of the second period, when he scored Montreal’s fourth goal of the night unassisted on Mike Veisor. From there, the floodgates opened.

Cournoyer piled up seven points in total, scoring five goals and adding two assists. Three of his five goals came on the power play during the third period, as Montreal completely dismantled Chicago’s penalty kill. His assists came on goals by Jacques Lemaire and Doug Risebrough, rounding out a dominant all-around effort.

The 12-goal explosion marked the first time since 1954 that the Canadiens scored a dozen goals against Chicago. Montreal’s franchise and NHL record of 16 goals in a game still dated back to a 1920 victory over the Quebec Bulldogs.

Adding to the night’s rarity, two Canadiens recorded Gordie Howe Hat Tricks. Larry Robinson finished with a goal and two assists while dropping the gloves with Grant Mulvey in the second period. Doug Risebrough also recorded a goal, an assist, and a fight, squaring off with Darcy Rota.

Despite his five-goal outburst, Cournoyer’s 1974-75 season actually saw a dip in goal production. He finished with 29 goals, eleven fewer than the previous year despite playing nine additional games. Even so, he maintained a remarkable streak of scoring at least 24 goals in 12 consecutive seasons from 1966-67 through 1977-78.

Cournoyer’s career-best season came in 1971-72, when he scored 47 goals, finishing fourth in the NHL. Nights like this one in 1975 served as a reminder of just how explosive the speedy right winger could be when everything clicked.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Yvan Cournoyer

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Which NHL team did Yvan Cournoyer spend his entire career with?

Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Chicago Blackhawks
New York Rangers

2. What nickname was Yvan Cournoyer best known by during his career?

The Rocket
The Pocket Rocket
The Roadrunner
Le Magnifique

3. In which NHL season did Cournoyer score a career-high 47 goals?

1969–70
1971–72
1973–74
1975–76

4. How many Stanley Cups did Yvan Cournoyer win with the Canadiens?

10
6
8
5

5. What honor did Cournoyer receive shortly after retiring from the NHL?

Canadiens captaincy
NHL scoring title
Induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame
Olympic gold medal

Bob Nevin’s Hat Trick and Ed Giacomin’s Heroics Lift Rangers Over Blackhawks in 1968

The New York Rangers walked into the roaring cauldron of Chicago Stadium on March 20, 1968, knowing they needed every point they could gather in the final stretch of the season. Chasing the Montreal Canadiens for first place, the Rangers faced a desperate Blackhawks team battling Toronto for the final playoff spot and the atmosphere made sure both teams felt the pressure. But on this night, two Rangers stole the show: captain Bob Nevin and goaltender Ed Giacomin.

Nevin delivered one of his standout performances of the season, recording the second of his five career hat tricks. He opened the scoring midway through the first period, burying his 25th goal of the year behind Dave Dryden with help from Don Marshall. Nevin later returned the favour in the second frame, assisting on Marshall’s tally that gave the Rangers a 3-1 cushion.

Chicago surged back in the third, with Stan Mikita and Doug Mohns striking to tie the game 3-3 in front of a charged home crowd. But with the game on the line, Nevin took command. At 14:27 of the third, he snapped home his second of the night, his 26th of the season, on a setup from Phil Goyette, ultimately standing as the game-winner. He completed the hat trick in the final minutes, sealing a 5-3 New York victory with help from Marshall and Goyette.

While Nevin supplied the offense, Ed Giacomin provided the backbone. The Rangers netminder faced an incredible 51 shots and turned aside all but three. Chicago’s heavy hitters tested him relentlessly, Gilles Marotte fired eight shots, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita each registered seven, but Giacomin held firm. Mikita’s goal and assist weren’t enough to overcome his brilliance as the Rangers escaped with two crucial points.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: 1967–68 New York Rangers

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Which future Hall of Famer led the 1967–68 New York Rangers in scoring?

Jean Ratelle
Rod Gilbert
Phil Goyette
Vic Hadfield

2. The Rangers finished second in the East Division in 1967–68. Which team finished directly ahead of them?

Boston Bruins
Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Chicago Blackhawks

3. New York's goaltending tandem in 1967–68 featured Ed Giacomin and which other goalie?

Gilles Villemure
Don Simmons
Cesar Maniago
Terry Sawchuk

4. Which Rangers defenseman led the team's blueline in points during the 1967–68 season?

Arnie Brown
Harry Howell
Jim Neilson
Bernie Parent

5. The Rangers qualified for the playoffs in 1967–68. Which team eliminated them?

Chicago Blackhawks
Boston Bruins
Montreal Canadiens
St. Louis Blues

Expansion Showdown: Inside the Islanders and Flames First NHL Game

The 1972-73 NHL season opened with something truly rare: two brand-new franchises beginning their journey against each other. On October 7, 1972, the New York Islanders and Atlanta Flames met at Nassau County Coliseum, marking the first official NHL game in the history of both clubs. And with two fresh teams on the ice, the night gave fans a flood of “firsts” that would forever be etched into the record books.

Atlanta struck first when Morris Stefaniw made Flames history, and NHL trivia history, with the first goal in franchise history, a shorthanded marker at 12:48 of the first period. Assisted by Lew Morrison, the goal came with Randy Manery in the box for hooking. Amazingly, that one moment was also the only NHL goal Stefaniw ever scored, as his career lasted just 13 games that season.

The Islanders’ turn came late in the second period. Veteran Ed Westfall buried the first goal in Islanders history, and fittingly, it came on the power play. With Larry Romanchych off for hooking, Westfall capitalized on a setup from Germain Gagnon and Dave Hudson, beating Phil Myre at 19:29 to give New York its first ever tally.

The Flames took control in the third when Bob Leiter scored the first game-winning goal in franchise history, making it 3-1 at the 3:17 mark. The Flames would hold on for a 3-2 victory, giving Phil Myre the first win ever recorded by an Atlanta goaltender. The game also saw the first penalties for each franchise, Randy Manery for Atlanta and Ken Murray for New York, adding to the long list of “day one” milestones.

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Islanders vs. Flames: Comparing the 1972-73 Inaugural NHL Seasons

When the NHL expanded for the 1972-73 season, two brand-new franchises took the ice for the first time: the New York Islanders and the Atlanta Flames. Both clubs launched their journeys on the same night, October 7, 1972, but their inaugural seasons unfolded in dramatically different ways. While the Islanders endured growing pains, the Flames delivered one of the more competitive expansion debuts of their era. Here’s a detailed look at how both teams fared in their first year.

The Islanders struggled out of the gate, finishing last overall with a 12-60-6 record. Their -177 goal differential remains one of the roughest inaugural campaigns in league history. The Flames, meanwhile, surprised much of the hockey world by playing disciplined, structured hockey that earned them 65 points and a mid-pack finish in the West Division. Though neither team qualified for the postseason, Atlanta quickly showed it could compete with established clubs.

Offensively, both teams lacked star power, but the Flames generated more balanced production. The Islanders leaned heavily on Ralph Stewart and Billy Harris for scoring, while Atlanta spread its offense across players like Rey Comeau, Bob Leiter, and Bobby Stewart. Defensively, the contrast was even sharper: the Flames allowed 102 fewer goals than the Islanders, thanks in part to steadier goaltending.

Between the pipes, the Islanders split duties between future Hall of Famer Billy Smith and Gerry Desjardins. Smith showed flashes of what he would become, but the team in front of him struggled badly. In Atlanta, Phil Myre and Dan Bouchard formed a reliable tandem that kept the Flames competitive most nights.

Coaching and management also played major roles. The Islanders changed coaches early in the season and relied heavily on long-term planning from GM Bill Torrey, a strategy that eventually paid off with multiple Stanley Cups. The Flames, guided by coach Boom Boom Geoffrion and GM Cliff Fletcher, took a more immediate competitive approach, emphasizing structure over raw skill.

Ultimately, the debut seasons of these two expansion teams helped shape their long-term identities. The Islanders’ early struggles positioned them for franchise-defining draft picks and a dynasty that dominated the early 1980s. The Flames set a foundation for competitive hockey that would later flourish after the franchise moved to Calgary.

NHL Hockey Trivia: 1972-73 Expansion

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Which team finished with more points in the 1972-73 season?
New York Islanders
Atlanta Flames
They finished tied
Neither team played a full season

2. Which Islanders player led the team in scoring during their inaugural season?
Billy Harris
Ralph Stewart
Ed Westfall
Germain Gagnon

3. Who was the Flames’ head coach during their first NHL season?
Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion
Al MacNeil
Tom Watt
Fred Creighton

4. Which goaltending duo backstopped the Flames during the 1972-73 season?
Phil Myre & Dan Bouchard
Billy Smith & Gerry Desjardins
Mike Palmateer & Wayne Thomas
Gerry Cheevers & Ross Brooks

5. Which team allowed significantly fewer goals during their inaugural season?
New York Islanders
Atlanta Flames
They allowed the same amount
Neither — data is unavailable

A Rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick from Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky’s legacy is filled with scoring records, championships, and unmatched vision on the ice but on one rare night in 1982, he paid homage to his idol, Gordie Howe, in the most unexpected way. Despite winning the Lady Byng Trophy five times and never topping 59 penalty minutes in any season, it was that very 59-PIM year, 1982-83, when Gretzky recorded his only Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

The date was December 22, 1982. The Edmonton Oilers hosted the Minnesota North Stars at Northlands Coliseum in a matchup of two of the NHL’s top teams. Despite Minnesota holding a slight edge in the standings, the Oilers erupted for an 8-2 victory and Gretzky was in the middle of everything.

In the first period, “The Great One” dropped the gloves with Neal Broten, drawing an extra roughing minor. Minutes later, Gretzky set up Glenn Anderson for Edmonton’s third goal of the game. The scoring touch continued early in the second period as Gretzky buried his 27th goal of the season past Don Beaupre, officially completing the Gordie Howe Hat Trick just 2:27 into the frame. He later added another assist on Mark Messier’s 22nd of the year, finishing the night with a three-point performance.

Across his brilliant career, Gretzky totaled only 577 penalty minutes in 1,487 regular-season games, astonishing for a player logging that much ice time and attention. His five Lady Byng Trophy wins rank second all-time, behind only Frank Boucher. But on that December night in 1982, Gretzky showed he could honour Howe’s toughness and spirit while still being the NHL’s most dazzling playmaker.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: History of the Gordie Howe Hat Trick

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. What three elements make up a Gordie Howe Hat Trick?

Two goals, one assist, and a fight
One goal, one assist, and a fight
Three assists and a penalty
Goal, fight, and game-winning goal

2. Despite the name, how many career Gordie Howe Hat Tricks is Gordie Howe widely credited with?

15
25
2
7

3. Which player is often cited as having the most Gordie Howe Hat Tricks in NHL history?

Rick Tocchet
Cam Neely
Jarome Iginla
Brendan Shanahan

4. Which era saw the Gordie Howe Hat Trick become especially common due to the mix of scoring and physical play?

1950s
1980s–1990s
Early 2000s
Post-2010 era

5. The Gordie Howe Hat Trick is often viewed as a symbol of what traditional hockey quality?

Toughness and all-around play
Defensive responsibility
Goaltending excellence
Special-teams dominance

From New York to St. Louis and Back: The Rod Seiling Saga

Few hockey stories from the 1960s are as chaotic and entertaining as Rod Seiling’s unbelievable hour during the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft. The back of his 1969-70 O-Pee-Chee hockey card hints at the madness: “In 1967, Seiling was dealt from New York to St. Louis to New York in less than 1 hour.” It wasn’t exactly a trade the first time, but the card’s spirit wasn’t wrong, his rights did a full round-trip.

During the expansion draft, the St. Louis Blues selected Seiling from the New York Rangers with the 36th pick. Moments later, before he even had time to think about packing a bag, St. Louis shipped him right back to the Rangers in a multi-player deal involving Tim Ecclestone, Bob Plager, Gary Sabourin, and Gord Kannegiesser. For Seiling, it meant his tenure as a Blues player lasted only minutes, maybe even seconds.

Seiling had originally joined the Rangers in February 1964 as part of a blockbuster Toronto–New York trade that sent him, Arnie Brown, Bill Collins, Dick Duff, and Bob Nevin to Manhattan in exchange for Andy Bathgate and Don McKenney. He became a steady presence on the Rangers blue line until the 1974-75 season, when he was waived four games in and claimed by the Washington Capitals.

That’s where the story takes another twist. Washington traded Seiling almost immediately, after he played just one game, for none other than Tim Ecclestone, one of the very players St. Louis had once moved to reacquire Seiling in 1967. The deal sent Seiling back to his original NHL home, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

After two seasons in Toronto, Seiling finally did what the 1967 expansion draft almost made happen: he joined the St. Louis Blues, where he spent two solid seasons and closed the loop on a hockey journey nearly a decade in the making.

About Rod Seiling

Rod Seiling played 979 regular season and 77 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1962-63 and 1978-79 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Flames. The low-scoring defenseman topped out with a nine goal season in 1972-73 with the Rangers.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Rod Seiling

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Rod Seiling was originally drafted by which NHL team?

Toronto Maple Leafs
New York Rangers
Detroit Red Wings
Montreal Canadiens

2. In the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft, which team selected Rod Seiling?

Los Angeles Kings
St. Louis Blues
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins

3. Which team claimed Rod Seiling on waivers early in the 1974-75 season?

Vancouver Canucks
Washington Capitals
Kansas City Scouts
California Golden Seals

4. Which player was involved in BOTH Seiling’s 1967 St. Louis transaction and his later move from the Capitals?

Bob Plager
Gary Sabourin
Tim Ecclestone
Gord Kannegiesser

5. Rod Seiling finally joined and played two seasons with which team late in his career?

St. Louis Blues
Chicago Blackhawks
Buffalo Sabres
Atlanta Flames

Oilers Crush Devils with Three Hat Tricks in Chaotic 1983 Blowout

On November 19, 1983, the Edmonton Oilers delivered one of the wildest offensive eruptions in franchise history and sparked Wayne Gretzky’s legendary “Mickey Mouse organization” quip toward the New Jersey Devils. The Devils entered Northlands Coliseum with a brutal 2-17 record, and although they opened each period with a goal, this was never going to be their miracle turnaround night.

Edmonton rolled to a 13-4 win, and for only the second time in the modern NHL, three players from one team recorded hat tricks in the same game. One of them even went beyond that.

Gretzky, Kurri & Lindstrom Run Wild

Wayne Gretzky put on an eight-point show, three goals and five assists, marking the first of his two career eight-point outings. Only 14 such performances exist in NHL history.

Jari Kurri delivered the night’s biggest explosion with five goals and one assist for six points. Willy Lindstrom completed the rare trifecta with three goals and one assist, including a helper on Kurri’s opening goal.

A Rough Night in the Devils’ Crease

The Devils’ goaltending tandem took a pounding:

Ron Low: 8 goals allowed on 22 shots

Chico Resch: 5 goals allowed on 15 shots

Even Edmonton’s Grant Fuhr had a shaky evening, giving up four goals on just 22 shots, though he certainly had more offensive support than he needed.

The Aftermath: Devils Push Back

Gretzky’s sharp postgame criticism didn’t go unnoticed. In their two remaining 1983-84 meetings, New Jersey came out far stronger:

Jan 15, 1984 – Oilers barely win 5-4

Jan 27, 1984 – Devils rally from 3-0 down to earn a 3-3 tie

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NHL Hockey Trivia: 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Which Edmonton Oiler led the NHL in scoring during the 1983-84 season?
Wayne Gretzky
Mark Messier
Jari Kurri
Glenn Anderson

2. Who scored the Stanley Cup–winning goal for the Oilers in the 1984 Final?
Paul Coffey
Ken Linseman
Charlie Huddy
Dave Hunter

3. Which defenseman won the Norris Trophy during the 1983-84 season?
Charlie Huddy
Paul Coffey
Randy Gregg
Kevin Lowe

4. Which Oiler scored 50 goals for the first time in his career during 1983-84?
Wayne Gretzky
Jari Kurri
Glenn Anderson
Mark Messier

5. Which goaltender earned the majority of starts for the Oilers in 1983-84?
Andy Moog
Grant Fuhr
Ron Low
Bruce Nicholson

Nearly a Decade Later: Marc Reaume’s Remarkable Return to the NHL

Talk about perseverance and love for the game, Marc Reaume’s hockey story is one of true determination. His last NHL game with the Detroit Red Wings came on March 9, 1961, and his next one didn’t arrive until October 9, 1970, when he suited up for the expansion Vancouver Canucks. That’s a gap of 3,260 days between NHL appearances.

Aside from a brief three-game call-up with the Montreal Canadiens in 1963-64, Reaume spent nearly a decade grinding it out in the minor leagues. Over his career, he played 654 regular season games across the AHL, CPHL, and WHL.

Reaume began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he spent five seasons before being traded to Detroit midway through 1959-60 in exchange for Red Kelly. Despite his short stint with Montreal, he even appeared on two Parkhurst hockey cards as a Canadien during 1963-64.

Before joining Vancouver’s inaugural NHL team in 1970-71, Reaume played two seasons for the WHL Canucks, helping the team win back-to-back Lester Patrick Cups as league playoff champions. In 1969-70, he captured the Hal Laycoe Cup as the WHL’s top defenseman and earlier, in 1962-63, earned the Eddie Shore Award with the Hershey Bears as the AHL’s best blueliner.

Between 1954-55 and 1970-71, Marc Reaume appeared in 344 NHL regular season games and 21 playoff contests for the Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canadiens, and Canucks. His career stands as a testament to persistence, passion, and the enduring love of hockey.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Marc Reaume

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. How many days passed between Marc Reaume’s final NHL game with Detroit and his next one with Vancouver?

2,600 days
3,260 days
4,000 days
3,020 days

2. Which NHL team traded Marc Reaume in exchange for Red Kelly during the 1959-60 season?

Detroit Red Wings
Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Vancouver Canucks

3. Reaume won the AHL’s top defenseman award in 1962-63. What is the name of that trophy?

Eddie Shore Award
Hal Laycoe Cup
Bill Masterton Trophy
Norris Trophy

4. Before rejoining the NHL, Reaume won two WHL championships with which team?

Portland Buckaroos
Seattle Totems
Vancouver Canucks (WHL)
Calgary Stampeders

5. In total, how many NHL teams did Marc Reaume play for during his career?

Three
Four
Five
Two